Augusta, Ga. Changes Law to Allow for Cigar Bars

Cigar bars are becoming legal in Augusta, Ga.

Yesterday, the Augusta Commission voted 8-2 in favor of modifying the city’s smoke-free ordinance to allow for the establishment of cigar bars. A “cigar bar” will be a business that generates at least 20 percent of its revenue from the sale of cigars and will be allowed to serve food and alcohol while also allowing smoking. The businesses will need to be standalone, though they aren’t required to be free-standing. This means a cigar bar will need to have its own entrance.

The city’s smoke-free ordinance previously banned businesses from serving alcohol and allowing patrons to smoke. Hookah lounges were previously exempt.

Augusta is located in eastern Georgia, bordering South Carolina. With a population of around 200,000, it is Georgia’s second largest city. The city is best-known for being home to The Masters golf tournament.